Haryana Elections: Nayab Singh Saini Leads BJP to Historic Victory

Nayab Singh Saini’s Leadership: 200 Days That Led BJP to Historic Win in Haryana

In just 200 days as the Chief Minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini led the BJP to an unprecedented victory, overcoming 10 years of anti-incumbency in the state. In March 2024, two months before the Lok Sabha elections and five months ahead of the Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP replaced then-Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with Saini. The move followed a familiar BJP strategy of changing the chief minister before major elections.

Although the BJP’s performance in the Lok Sabha was disappointing, securing only five seats, Saini managed to help the party overcome the anti-incumbency sentiment that had loomed over the Assembly elections. Under his leadership, the BJP secured a historic win, proving that Saini was, indeed, “Nayab” (exceptional) despite criticism from Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

Saini Takes Responsibility for Haryana Results

Saini emphasized his role in the election campaign and was fully prepared to take responsibility for the outcome. In an interview with India Today TV on Tuesday, he stated, “If we lose, the responsibility is mine. But I have complete faith in our victory.”

Transition of Power

Saini’s rise to the position came after Manohar Lal Khattar stepped down to assume the role of Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. Saini’s smooth transition as Chief Minister was largely due to Khattar’s support.

Handling Farmer and Soldier Protests

Despite facing protests from farmers and soldiers, particularly regarding the 2020–2021 farm laws and the Agnipath scheme, Saini led the BJP through a challenging campaign. His leadership helped counter the dissatisfaction and secure key constituencies, including his own Ladwa seat.

Winning Public Support

Saini gained substantial public support through developmental initiatives. He increased the expenditure for gram panchayats and abolished minimum electricity charges, benefiting rural residents. His efforts also included a rooftop solar subsidy scheme for poor families.

Addressing the Agnipath Scheme Backlash

To counter the backlash from the Agnipath scheme, Saini’s government introduced the Haryana Agniveer Policy, 2024, which offered job opportunities to Agniveers after their service.

BJP’s Historic Victory

Nayab Singh Saini has emerged as the face of BJP’s third consecutive government in Haryana, proving his leadership in the party’s historic win.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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